Why We Test Homes For Asbestos

9/14/2021 (Permalink)

What If My Home Has Asbestos?

When you call SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County, one of the questions we will ask, is what year your home was built. We always ask this question because if your Charlotte, NC, home was built before 1970, there is a chance asbestos is present in your home. If you’ve heard of asbestos before, you probably have heard that it is a dangerous material. But do you know much else about it? Keep reading to learn more about what asbestos is, and if you should be concerned about it. 

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is comprised of six naturally occurring minerals. These soft, flexible fibers are resistant to heat, electricity, and corrosion, making it a highly useful material. While asbestos has many uses, it is also known to be dangerous. When the dust from asbestos is inhaled or ingested those fibers can become trapped in the body, possibly leading to a number of health effects. 

Why We Test For Asbestos

Because this material isn’t safe when disturbed we always need to ensure there is no asbestos in your home before any restoration begins. During the restoration process things like walls, flooring, and other materials that asbestos could be present in will be removed, which could cause dangerous dust to enter the air. When we are aware asbestos is present, we are able to securely seal the area, protect our team and the homeowner, and remove the affected area in the safest way possible. When we remove asbestos properly, we are ensuring the safety of everyone in your home.

What If Asbestos Is Present?

If asbestos is present in your home, there is no need for alarm. If the asbestos is undisturbed it doesn’t need to be removed. According to the EPA, undisturbed asbestos is safer than attempting to remove it. If the asbestos was exposed during a disaster, removing it professionally is the best way to keep everyone safe. 

How Is Asbestos Safely Removed?

When your local Pineville, NC, SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County begins the removal process, we will do so in the safest possible way. Our team will create a sealed area to prevent any dust from leaving the area. We will then use a negative air pressure machine fitted with a HEPA filter, to keep everyone safe from airborne particles. 

Help Is Here

When disaster strikes your Matthews, NC, home, whether asbestos is present or not, it is always best to have professionals remediating the damage. SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County is here for you day or night, just give us a call at (704) 840-6112. 

For more information about asbestos and how it affects you and your home, head to the EPA website. 

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